Glimpse of Sri Lanka + Mermaid Hotel and Club

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The Experience

Sri Lanka known as the “Pearl of the Indian Ocean” has a lot to offer-strewn with cultural jewels and natural treasures. Its impressive landscapes host lush tropical forests, expansive dazzling lakes and magnificent mountain ranges.

All this is scattered with captivating temples and ancient monuments, yet it remains largely untrodden by the typical tourist.
Start your tour by travelling to Sigiriya, Kandy. Whilst in Kandy you will visit the world famous Temple of the tooth. Then proceed to Kandy. Whilst in Kandy you will visit the world famous Temple of the tooth. Enjoy few beautiful nights where you will relax and enjoy peace and serenity (optional).
DAY 01
Welcome to Sri Lanka, the pearl of the Indian Ocean! In keeping with Sri Lankan tradition, all of us here at Walkers Tours will like to extend to you our heartiest “Ayubowan!” (Traditional Sri Lankan greeting wishing long life to the other)
Today you will be met by your private chauffeur and transferred to your hotel in Sigiriya.
Transfer time: Approximately 04 hours
DAY 02
After an early breakfast, you will take a journey to climb the Sigiriya Rock Fortress.
Transfer time: approximately 20 minutes
This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a spectacular Rock Fortress, is one of Sri Lanka’s major attractions. The most impressive facets of the unique complex are the Water Gardens, the Frescoes of beautiful maidens, the Mirror Wall with ancient graffiti, the Lion platform and the Summit of 1.6 hectares, which was completely covered by buildings during the period of Sigiriya’s glory. Built by King Kashyapa (477-495 A.D), the “Lion Rock” is a citadel of unusual beauty rising 200m from the scrub jungle. The rock was the innermost stronghold of the 70 hectare fortified town and the base is ringed by a moat, rampart, and extensive gardens. The world-renowned frescoes (originally 500, of which only 19 remain today) which are in a sheltered pocket of the rock approached by a spiral stairway are painted in earth pigments on plaster. The old stairway to the top led through the mouth of a crouching lion but today only the huge paws remain giving an indication of the massive proportions of the head. Remains of the handsome royal citadel are on the summit and several caves for meditation, audience platforms and baths complete the unique site.
In the afternoon you will visit the Polonnaruwa & the Museum, explore the medieval city on foot.
Transfer time: approximately 01 hour
Polonnaruwa - this medieval city, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, rose to fame as the capital (10th - 12th century AD) after the decline of Anuradhapura. The entire landscape of the region is punctuated by huge man-made reservoirs, the most famous of which is the Parakrama Samudra or the Sea of Parakrama, larger in size than the Colombo harbour. The monuments are relatively well preserved and give clear evidence of the glory of Sri Lanka's past. Highlights are the Royal Palace complex including the Kings Palace and Audience Hall, the Quadrangle with its concentration of ancient heritage and the spectacular Gal Vihare complex of four massive images of the Buddha, cut from a single slab of granite - a highlight of ancient Sri Lankan rock carving. Some of the best examples of the Hindu influence - the Temples of Shiva, intricate statues of Hindu Gods, fascinating Buddhist temples, the Lankatileka and Watadage, the Galpotha, the Lotus bath, the Kiri Vihare Dagoba and the remains of a former Temple of the Tooth are other impressive sights.
DAY 03
Today you will set off to Kandy. En route you will be visiting a Dambulla Cave Temple.
Transfer time: approximately 03 hours
Rangiriya Dambulla Cave Temple – which is located in the North Central Province. This UNESCO World Heritage Site which dates back to the 01st century BC, is an amazing complex of 05 caves, first used as a refuge by an ancient king who on regaining his throne, commissioned magnificent carved images within the living rock. Later kings made further improvements and the caves contain over 150 images of the Buddha of which the largest is a colossal figure spanning 15 meters. Cave inscriptions from the 2nd Century BC are found and on the walls are many paintings most of which belong to the Kandy period (early 19th century). This temple is a perfect location to view evolution of ancient Sri Lankan art and is an important historical site due to the amalgamation of the material from many eras. You will pause on your journey to discover the homeopathic remedies of the East at the Matale Spice Gardens & House of Batik Painters.
You will have the opportunity to dabble in the homeopathic remedies of the East! The pungent aroma of the spice permeates the air as you explore the treasure garden of the Spice Gardens!
Continue your journey to Kandy. Next, you will experience a city tour of Kandy & visit the famed Temple of the Tooth.
Temple of the Tooth which is commonly known as "Sri Dalada Maligawa" is situated in the city of hills, Kandy. It is an important shrine for Buddhists as it holds the tooth relic of Lord Buddha. It is famous for its carvings and the beautiful art that is unique to Sri Lanka. The most important part of the Dalada Maligawa is the octagon.The Sri Dalada Maligawa is the most sacred temple in the whole of Sri Lanka. Thousands of people line up each day to get a glimpse of its majesty.
Later you will enjoy a show of traditional Sri Lankan music, dance and drumming
DAY 04
Today morning you will visit a Tea Factory in Giragama. Plantation workers, mostly women, pluck the tea leaves by hand, usually in spring and summer. Depending on weather conditions, picking can also take place in autumn and winter. For each plant, only a terminal bud and two young leaves are picked. Different types of tea (white, green, black…) come from the same plant, but are processed differently.
After a freshen up from the hotel, leave to the airport to board to your departure flight. En-route you will visit the you will visit Royal Botanical Gardens
Royal Botanical Gardens-About 6km (4miles) southwest of the town center at Peradeniya on the Colombo highway, close to the banks of the Mahaweli Ganga, these gorgeous gardens were first planted and laid out for king Kirthi Sri Rajasingha (1747-1780) and cover some 60ha (150acres) of trees lawns and flowering shrubs, including a 20-ha (50acre) arboretum of more than 10,000 trees. Under British rule, the royal park became a botanical garden in 1821 and is the largest of Sri Lanka’s three main botanical gardens. Here, exotic crops such as coffee, tea, nutmeg, ru bber and cinchona (quinine) - all of which later became important to Sri Lanka's economy - were tested. Sights include a palm avenue planted by the British in 1905. Another British import was the enormous spreading Java fig which sprawls across the lawn, grown from a sapling brought from the East Indies. The gardens also have stands of towering bamboos from Burma, Japan China and the East Indies, and a fine collection of orchids from Sri Lanka and further field. In the center of the gardens is an artificial lake in the shape of the island of Sri Lanka, beside which a white- domed rotunda commemorates George Garder, superintendent of the gardens in the mid-19th Century
You also have an option of setting off to your selected beach resort, where you will spend the rest of your stay in Sri Lanka at leisure.

Included flights

UK Departure

Return Flight

Glimpse of Sri Lanka

4 stars

As Per Itinerary

As Per Itinerary

Combinable with a beach stay of your choice

See the cultural highlights of Sri Lanka

private tour

Sri Lanka known as the “Pearl of the Indian Ocean” has a lot to offer-strewn with cultural jewels and natural treasures. Its impressive landscapes host lush tropical forests, expansive dazzling lakes and magnificent mountain ranges. All this is scattered with captivating temples and ancient monuments, yet it remains largely untrodden by the typical tourist.
Start your tour by travelling to Sigiriya, Kandy. Whilst in Kandy you will visit the world famous Temple of the tooth. Then proceed to Kandy. Whilst in Kandy you will visit the world famous Temple of the tooth. Enjoy few beautiful nights where you will relax and enjoy peace and serenity (optional).

DAY 01
Welcome to Sri Lanka, the pearl of the Indian Ocean! In keeping with Sri Lankan tradition, all of us here at Walkers Tours will like to extend to you our heartiest “Ayubowan!” (Traditional Sri Lankan greeting wishing long life to the other)
Today you will be met by your private chauffeur and transferred to your hotel in Sigiriya.
Transfer time: Approximately 04 hours

DAY 02
After an early breakfast, you will take a journey to climb the Sigiriya Rock Fortress.
Transfer time: approximately 20 minutes
This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a spectacular Rock Fortress, is one of Sri Lanka’s major attractions. The most impressive facets of the unique complex are the Water Gardens, the Frescoes of beautiful maidens, the Mirror Wall with ancient graffiti, the Lion platform and the Summit of 1.6 hectares, which was completely covered by buildings during the period of Sigiriya’s glory. Built by King Kashyapa (477-495 A.D), the “Lion Rock” is a citadel of unusual beauty rising 200m from the scrub jungle. The rock was the innermost stronghold of the 70 hectare fortified town and the base is ringed by a moat, rampart, and extensive gardens. The world-renowned frescoes (originally 500, of which only 19 remain today) which are in a sheltered pocket of the rock approached by a spiral stairway are painted in earth pigments on plaster. The old stairway to the top led through the mouth of a crouching lion but today only the huge paws remain giving an indication of the massive proportions of the head. Remains of the handsome royal citadel are on the summit and several caves for meditation, audience platforms and baths complete the unique site.
In the afternoon you will visit the Polonnaruwa & the Museum, explore the medieval city on foot.
Transfer time: approximately 01 hour
Polonnaruwa - this medieval city, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, rose to fame as the capital (10th - 12th century AD) after the decline of Anuradhapura. The entire landscape of the region is punctuated by huge man-made reservoirs, the most famous of which is the Parakrama Samudra or the Sea of Parakrama, larger in size than the Colombo harbour. The monuments are relatively well preserved and give clear evidence of the glory of Sri Lanka's past. Highlights are the Royal Palace complex including the Kings Palace and Audience Hall, the Quadrangle with its concentration of ancient heritage and the spectacular Gal Vihare complex of four massive images of the Buddha, cut from a single slab of granite - a highlight of ancient Sri Lankan rock carving. Some of the best examples of the Hindu influence - the Temples of Shiva, intricate statues of Hindu Gods, fascinating Buddhist temples, the Lankatileka and Watadage, the Galpotha, the Lotus bath, the Kiri Vihare Dagoba and the remains of a former Temple of the Tooth are other impressive sights.

DAY 03
Today you will set off to Kandy. En route you will be visiting a Dambulla Cave Temple.
Transfer time: approximately 03 hours
Rangiriya Dambulla Cave Temple – which is located in the North Central Province. This UNESCO World Heritage Site which dates back to the 01st century BC, is an amazing complex of 05 caves, first used as a refuge by an ancient king who on regaining his throne, commissioned magnificent carved images within the living rock. Later kings made further improvements and the caves contain over 150 images of the Buddha of which the largest is a colossal figure spanning 15 meters. Cave inscriptions from the 2nd Century BC are found and on the walls are many paintings most of which belong to the Kandy period (early 19th century). This temple is a perfect location to view evolution of ancient Sri Lankan art and is an important historical site due to the amalgamation of the material from many eras. You will pause on your journey to discover the homeopathic remedies of the East at the Matale Spice Gardens & House of Batik Painters.
You will have the opportunity to dabble in the homeopathic remedies of the East! The pungent aroma of the spice permeates the air as you explore the treasure garden of the Spice Gardens!
Continue your journey to Kandy. Next, you will experience a city tour of Kandy & visit the famed Temple of the Tooth.
Temple of the Tooth which is commonly known as "Sri Dalada Maligawa" is situated in the city of hills, Kandy. It is an important shrine for Buddhists as it holds the tooth relic of Lord Buddha. It is famous for its carvings and the beautiful art that is unique to Sri Lanka. The most important part of the Dalada Maligawa is the octagon.The Sri Dalada Maligawa is the most sacred temple in the whole of Sri Lanka. Thousands of people line up each day to get a glimpse of its majesty.
Later you will enjoy a show of traditional Sri Lankan music, dance and drumming

DAY 04
Today morning you will visit a Tea Factory in Giragama. Plantation workers, mostly women, pluck the tea leaves by hand, usually in spring and summer. Depending on weather conditions, picking can also take place in autumn and winter. For each plant, only a terminal bud and two young leaves are picked. Different types of tea (white, green, black…) come from the same plant, but are processed differently.
After a freshen up from the hotel, leave to the airport to board to your departure flight. En-route you will visit the you will visit Royal Botanical Gardens
Royal Botanical Gardens-About 6km (4miles) southwest of the town center at Peradeniya on the Colombo highway, close to the banks of the Mahaweli Ganga, these gorgeous gardens were first planted and laid out for king Kirthi Sri Rajasingha (1747-1780) and cover some 60ha (150acres) of trees lawns and flowering shrubs, including a 20-ha (50acre) arboretum of more than 10,000 trees. Under British rule, the royal park became a botanical garden in 1821 and is the largest of Sri Lanka’s three main botanical gardens. Here, exotic crops such as coffee, tea, nutmeg, ru bber and cinchona (quinine) - all of which later became important to Sri Lanka's economy - were tested. Sights include a palm avenue planted by the British in 1905. Another British import was the enormous spreading Java fig which sprawls across the lawn, grown from a sapling brought from the East Indies. The gardens also have stands of towering bamboos from Burma, Japan China and the East Indies, and a fine collection of orchids from Sri Lanka and further field. In the center of the gardens is an artificial lake in the shape of the island of Sri Lanka, beside which a white- domed rotunda commemorates George Garder, superintendent of the gardens in the mid-19th Century

You also have an option of setting off to your selected beach resort, where you will spend the rest of your stay in Sri Lanka at leisure.

Mermaid Hotel and Club

3 stars

Standard

All Inclusive

Quiet beachfront property in Kalutara

The Mermaid club for sports and recreation

Spa treatments of the highest standards

This resort is spread across two acres of lush coconut groves and tropical gardens by the golden sands of Kalutura Beach. Mermaid Hotel & Club's serene surroundings and secluded atmosphere offer an experience of calm relaxation. This resort offers friendly hospitality, superb facilities and a wide array of activities at The Club. With tennis, squash, swimming pools and a fitness centre, guests can be as busy or relaxed as they choose. The great location makes the Mermaid Hotel & Club perfect for a chilled out beach holiday or an ideal base for explorers to discover the rainforests, temples and fishing villages of Sri Lanka's west coast.

TripAdvisor traveller rating

The Holiday Place customer rating

Great staff in general, very friendly and helpful. (Need some improvement on reception though, everything is too complicated for them, for some reason, and it made checking out a very stressful process.) Very nice, comfortable room with a lovely balcony overlooking the pool and palm trees. Food...